Zucchini and Tomato Rice

I think I have blogged earlier about my local subzi vendor who sells zucchini thinking that it is a member of the kheera family and surprisingly at the same rate also :)) as opposed to shelling out atleast twice more in Hypercity..our code word is 'Videsi kheera' for zucchini :) It is a great vegetable for its taste and nutrition and lends itself very easily to a lot of cuisines..chinese/mexican/italian..even Indian, next time I cook zucchini I will replicate a great recipe from my mom which combines it with bhindi ! This pulao also turned out delicious, can work as a main course or as a side dish with any continental preparation..you can use either yellow or green zucchini

Ingredients

2 cups boiled rice
1 medium sized zucchini,cut into bite sized chunks
1 teaspoon garlic ,crushed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes,pureeed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ajwain seeds
1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chilli flakes
Salt to taste
Basil/corainder, to garnish

1. Heat the oil and add the ajwain seeds to splutter. Add garlic and fry for a few seconds
2. Add the onion and cook till soft.
3. Add the tomato puree and the zucchini and leave on medium flame to dry the puree out.
4. When the puree dries out , add the salt,pepper,herbs,chilli flakes,sugar and fry for a minute.
5. Toss in the rice and mix well with the paste.
6. Serve hot!